Automatic file transmission system

ABSTRACT

For automatically transmitting an image file, a system transmits the file automatically through specifically specifying information for file transmission such as an address of a destination. The system includes a memory for storing a data file and an automatic transmission control file for briefly describing information of a file name of the file to be transmitted and a destination address, and a communication unit for transmitting the data file according to the automatic transmission control file. Therefore, the system can transmit the data file automatically only by having a memory storing the data file and automatic transmission control file connected to the communication unit.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic file transmissionsystem for transmitting or moving a data file of image signals or audiosignals taken by, for example, a digital still camera or digital videocamera.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] An image transmission device using a digital camera is disclosedin Japanese Laid-open Patent No. 11-88808. As shown in FIG. 24, thisdevice generates a file name of an image file 2401 selected by a user ona digital camera as a communication management information file 2402 ona memory card (flash memory card). A communication controller 2405 inFIG. 24 acquires, from the communication management information file2402 in the memory card through a communication management informationacquisition unit 2404, the file name of an image file to be transmittedoutside by communication, and instructs a communication unit 2403 totransmit the image file sequentially.

[0003] The conventional device however manages only the file name of theimage file to be transmitted outside in the communication managementinformation file 2402. Therefore, the device can specify the image filein the communication device such as mobile phone or modem, but cannotspecify a destination. Accordingly, the user, when transmitting theimage file, set the destination again with the communication device suchas mobile phone.

[0004] As compared with the conventional device, the invention presentsa technique of transmitting an image data file or the like automaticallyonly by providing the file to be transmitted with a file of managingspecific information like a destination, and by connecting a storingmedium storing the data file and the file of the information like thedestination to a communication device such as mobile phone.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] To solve the above problems, an automatic file transmissionsystem in a first aspect of the invention includes a memory for storinga data file and a transmission information file storing informationabout transmission of the data file. The transmission information filecontains at least one group which includes information abouttransmission of the data file and at least one piece of information forspecifying the data file to be transmitted.

[0006] More specifically, the information about transmission of the datafile in one group contained the transmission information file mayinclude information for specifying at least one destination andinformation for specifying at least one data file to be transmitted.

[0007] The information for specifying the destination in thetransmission information file may be one of an electronic mail addressof the destination, a facsimile number of the destination, and atelephone number of the destination.

[0008] The information for specifying the data file to be transmitted inthe transmission information file may be a file name of the data file tobe transmitted.

[0009] The transmission information file may contain at least one of anelectronic mail address of the destination, a facsimile number of thedestination, and a telephone number of the destination.

[0010] Further, the transmission information file may contain at leastone of an electronic mail address of a sender, a facsimile number of thesender, a telephone number of the sender, a name of the sender, a titleof transmission information, and a message to the destination.

[0011] The system of the first aspect of the invention may include acommunication unit for transmitting the data file according to thetransmission information file.

[0012] In such configuration, the system can transmit the data fileautomatically only through including the memory storing the data fileand the information about transmission of the data file connected to thecommunication unit.

[0013] Plural groups of transmission information file allow a common ordifferent data file to be automatically transmitted to pluraldestinations.

[0014] An automatic file transmission system in a second aspect of theinvention to solve the problems includes a memory for storing a datafile and information about transmission of the data file, a converterfor converting the data file into other format, and a communication unitfor transmitting information converted by the converter according to theinformation about transmission of the data file.

[0015] In the second aspect of the invention, the converter can convertthe data file into at least one of a signal in a format conforming tothe standard of facsimile transmission, a signal in a format conformingto the standard of fixed telephone transmission, and a signal in aformat conforming to the standard of mobile communication.

[0016] Also in the second aspect of the invention, the communicationunit can transmit information by facsimile transmission, can transmitinformation by fixed telephone transmission, or can transmit informationby mobile communication.

[0017] In such configuration, the system can transmit the data fileautomatically since the converter specifies a signal format andcommunication format conforming to a device at a destination, onlythrough including the memory storing the data file and the informationabout transmission of data file connected to the communication unit.

[0018] An automatic transmission system in a third aspect of theinvention to solve the problems includes a first memory for storing adata file and information about move of the data file, a second memorycapable of storing the data file, and moving unit for moving the datafile from the first memory to the second memory according to theinformation about move of the data file.

[0019] In the third aspect of the invention, the information about moveof the data file contains at least the information showing the device atthe destination of move.

[0020] Further, in the third aspect of the invention, the moving unitmay duplicate the data file in the second memory.

[0021] In such configuration, the system can move the data fileautomatically to the second memory, only though including the firstmemory storing the data file and the information about move of data fileconnected to the moving unit.

[0022] A fourth aspect of the invention to solve the problems relates toan automatic transmission system including a memory for storing a datafile and information about transmission of the data file andcommunication unit for transmitting the data file according to theinformation about transmission of the data file. The information aboutthe automatic file transmission system is stored in the memory.

[0023] In the fourth aspect of the invention, the information about theautomatic file transmission system includes information aboutcommunication unit.

[0024] In such configuration, the system can transmit the data fileautomatically, only through including the memory storing the data fileand the information about transmission of data file connected to thecommunication unit.

[0025] More specifically, the data file to be transmitted or moved mayinclude a file containing image information, a file containing audioinformation, a file containing multiplexed image information and audioinformation, a text file, an executable program, and an HTML formatfile.

[0026] In these aspects of the invention, the memory may be detachable.

[0027] The communication unit can transmit a file by wirelesscommunication or wired communication. These various manners allow avariety of data to be transmitted automatically or to be movedautomatically. Since the memory may be detachable, the data can be movedeasily from a generating device to a transmitting or moving device, andthe data can be transmitted or moved by any transmitter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a device for generating an automatictransmission control file for controlling file transmission in anautomatic file transmission system of embodiments 1 to 4 of theinvention.

[0029]FIG. 2 is a layout diagram of an operation panel of the device forgenerating the automatic transmission control file for controlling filetransmission of embodiments 1 to 4.

[0030]FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the device for transmitting fileaccording to automatic transmission control file in the automatic filetransmission system of embodiments 1 and 2.

[0031]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an image file, an audiofile, and an image/audio multiplex file stored in memory of embodiments1 to 5.

[0032]FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining menu screen display of thedevice for generating automatic transmission control file forcontrolling file transmission of embodiments 1 and 2.

[0033]FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining menu screen display of thedevice for generating automatic transmission control file forcontrolling file transmission of embodiments 1 and 2.

[0034]FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the content of automatic transmissioncontrol file of embodiment 1.

[0035]FIG. 8 is a flowchart of automatic transmission operation ofembodiments 1 and 2.

[0036]FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the content of automatic transmissioncontrol file for transmitting plural files of embodiment 1.

[0037]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the content of automatic transmissioncontrol file of embodiment 2.

[0038]FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining menu screen display of thedevice for generating automatic transmission control file forcontrolling facsimile file transmission of embodiment 3.

[0039]FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the device for facsimile filetransmission according to automatic transmission control file in theautomatic file transmission system of embodiment 3, and a diagram forexplaining transmission of an image file B by facsimile transmission.

[0040]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the content of automatic transmissioncontrol file of embodiment 3.

[0041]FIG. 14 is a flowchart of automatic transmission operation ofembodiment 3.

[0042]FIG. 15 is a block diagram of the device for audio filetransmission according to automatic transmission control file in theautomatic file transmission system of embodiment 3.

[0043]FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining menu screen display in thedevice for generating automatic transmission control file forcontrolling file move of embodiment 4.

[0044]FIG. 17 is a block diagram of the device for moving the fileaccording to automatic transmission control file in the automatic filetransmission system of embodiment 4.

[0045]FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the content of automatic transmissioncontrol file of embodiment 4.

[0046]FIG. 19 is a flowchart of automatic transmission operation ofembodiment 4.

[0047]FIG. 20 is a block diagram of the device for transmitting fileaccording to automatic transmission control file in the automatic filetransmission system of embodiment 5.

[0048]FIG. 21 is a block diagram of the device for generating automatictransmission control file for controlling file transmission in theautomatic file transmission system of embodiment 5.

[0049]FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the content of automatic transmissioncontrol file of embodiment 5.

[0050]FIG. 23 is a flowchart for explaining file conversion and changingoperation of automatic transmission control file of embodiment 5.

[0051]FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing an example of automatictransmission device in a prior art.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0052] Referring to the drawings, preferred embodiments of the inventionwill be described below.

[0053] (Embodiment 1)

[0054]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a device for generating an automatictransmission control file for controlling file transmission in anautomatic file transmission system of embodiment 1 of the invention. InFIG. 1, a memory 101 stores image and audio digital data acquired(coded) with a device such as digital still camera, digital video cameraor scanner. The memory 101, for example, like a flash memory card, isdetachable. The memory may be a detachable memory such as an ultra-smallhard disk, optical disk, or memory supported by battery. An image file102 is a file of image data stored in the memory 101, an audio file 103is a file of audio data, and an image/audio multiplex file 104 is a fileof image data and audio data multiplexed and stored in one file. Anautomatic transmission control file 105 is a file storing informationshowing a destination address and sender address for automatictransmission of the image file 102, audio file 103, and image/audiomultiplex file 104. FIG. 1, for simplicity, shows one file each for theimage file 102, audio file 103, image/audio multiplex file 104, andautomatic transmission control file 105. But the number of the files arenot limited to this example, actually, may be plural for each. All ofthe image file 102, audio file 103, and image/audio multiplex file 104may not be stored in the memory 101. For example, the image file 102 maynot be stored in the memory 101.

[0055] A reading unit 106 reads each file stored in the memory 101, anda writing unit 107 writes the automatic transmission control file 105into the memory 101. A decoder 108 decodes and reproduces the image file102, audio file 103, and image/audio multiplex file 104 read from thememory 101. A central processing unit (CPU) 109 generates or edits theautomatic transmission control file 105 depending on an input from anoperation key 110 and keyboard 111, controls the reading unit 106 forreading an image file and others, and controls display of menu screen ina display 112.

[0056] The display 112 such as liquid crystal display device orcathode-ray tube displays an image signal decoded by the decoder 108,and a speaker 113 reproduces an audio signal decoded by the decoder 108.

[0057]FIG. 2 is a layout diagram of an operation panel of the device forgenerating the automatic transmission control file 105 for controllingfile transmission in the automatic file transmission system of theembodiment.

[0058] In FIG. 2, keys 201 to 207 compose the operation key 110 shown inFIG. 1. Each key input signal is sent to the CPU 109 shown in FIG. 1.Principal functions will be described as follows. In FIG. 2, referencenumeral 112 and 113 denote the display and the speaker, respectively.

[0059] When a file reproduction mode select key 201 is pressed, thedevice is set to a reproduction mode of files in the memory 101, and theCPU 109 controls the reading 106 to read one of files stored in thememory 101. The file is reproduced by the decoder 108. An image of thereproduced file is displayed in the display 112, and a sound of thereproduced file can be output from the speaker 113. If an object ofreproduction is an image file, only an image is reproduced, or in thecase of audio file, only a sound is reproduced. In the case ofimage/audio multiplex file, both an image and sound are reproduced.

[0060] When a specified item select key 202 is pressed, the device isset to a mode for selecting an item to be included in the automatictransmission control file 105.

[0061] A send key 203 and a return key 204 are for searching for a fileto be reproduced or for selecting an item from a menu on the display112. A decision key 205 is for determining a content selected with thesend key 203 or return key 204, or determining a content entered by thekeyboard 111.

[0062] When a new transmission control file generate key 206 is pressed,the CPU 109 controls the writing unit 107 to generate an automatictransmission control file 105 in the memory 101 as a new transmissioninformation file.

[0063] When a group key 207 is pressed, the CPU 109 provides a specificinformation group with a group ID number, and writes information fortransmission together with a specific character string in the automatictransmission control file.

[0064]FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the device for transmitting a fileaccording to the automatic transmission control file 105 in theautomatic file transmission system of the embodiment. In FIG. 3, thememory 101, image file 102, audio file 103, image/audio multiplex file104, and automatic transmission control file 105 are the same as thoseshown in FIG. 1. A reading unit 301 reads the image file 102, audio file103, image/audio multiplex file 104, and automatic transmission controlfile 105 from the memory 101. A communication controller 302 controlsreading of a file to be transmitted from the memory 101 according to adescription in the automatic transmission control file 105, and controlstransmitting of a file in a communication unit 303. The communicationunit 303 transmits the file read from the memory 101 by the reading unit301.

[0065]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the image file, audio file,and image/audio multiplex file stored in the memory 101. In FIG. 4,image files A, B, C include image data. Audio files A, B, C includeaudio data. Image/audio multiplexed files A, B include multiplexed imageand audio data. In the following explanation, eight data files shown inFIG. 4 are stored in the memory 101. A data file stored in the memory101 is not limited to the image files, audio files, and image/audiomultiplex files shown in FIG. 4, but may be, for example, a text file,hyper text markup language (HTML) format file, or executable program.

[0066] An operation of the device of embodiment 1 of the inventionhaving such configuration will be explained below.

[0067] If a user selects a desired file from the image file 102, audiofile 103, and image/audio multiplex file 104 stored in the memory 101,and if the user specifies a destination, the device for generating anautomatic control file for controlling file transmission in FIG. 1.generates the automatic transmission control file 105 through thefollowing procedure.

[0068] At this moment, the user desires to transmit image file B of theeight files shown in FIG. 4.

[0069] At first, the user presses the new transmission control filegenerate key 206. By this key input, an automatic transmission controlfile is newly started to edit, and the CPU 109 controls the writing unit107 to generate a file with a file name of, for example, “AUTSEND1” inthe memory 101.

[0070] Then, the user presses the file reproduction mode select key 201to select a file to be transmitted automatically, and a file in thememory 101 is reproduced in the display 112 or speaker 113. At thistime, for example, the image file A is reproduced at first, and the sendkey 203, upon being pressed, allows a reproduction file to change. Then,the image file B, image file C, image/audio multiplex file A,image/audio multiplex file B, audio file A, audio file B, and audio fileC are reproduced sequentially. Upon desiring to transmit the image fileB, the user presses the send key 203 or return key 204, and reproducesthe image file B to be transmitted, and then presses the decision key205. The CPU 109 has a temporary memory for storing informationtemporarily inside. When the decision key 205 is pressed, the temporarymemory stores the file name of the image file B after a character string“SEND_SRC=” for indicating that the user selects the file to betransmitted in the file reproduction mode.

[0071] Consequently, to enter information for file transmission such asa destination, the user presses the specified item select key 202. Whenthe specified item select key 202 is pressed, as shown in FIG. 5, thedisplay 12 displays a menu including six items, that is, a destinationelectronic mail address, sender electronic mail address, sendertelephone number, title, transmission message, and sender name. The menuis for entering information for transmission, and items on the screencan be selected through pressing the send key 203 or return key 204. Forexample, in FIG. 5, a selected item is highlighted. That is, FIG. 5shows that the destination electronic mail address is selected at thismoment,.

[0072] Thus, when entering a specific item, the user selects the itemthrough the display 112 with the send key 203 or return key 204. Then,the selected item is highlighted as shown in FIG. 5, and the decisionkey 205 is pressed. Then, the display 112 shows a screen instructing theuser to enter the destination electronic mail address as shown in FIG.6. When the user operates the keyboard 111 to enter the destinationelectronic mail address, for example, “AAA@BBB.ne.jp”, the address isshown on the display 112. Then, if the address is correct, the decisionkey 205 is pressed to terminate to input the electronic mail address,and the screen returns to the menu shown in FIG. 5. At this moment, whenthe decision key 205 is pressed, the entered electronic mail address isstored in the temporary memory in the CPU 109 after a character string“SENT)_ADR=” showing the destination electronic mail address.

[0073] Other items such as the sender electronic mail address, sendertelephone number, title, transmission message, and sender name is inputsimilarly. The item, upon being selected, is input through the keyboard111, and the decision key 205 is pressed. At this moment, the inputinformation is stored in the temporary memory of the CPU 109 togetherwith a character string showing a category of the information. Thecharacter string showing the category of the information may be, forexample, “USR_ADR” for the sender electronic mail address, “USR_TEL” forthe sender telephone number, “SEND_TTL” for the title, “SEND_MSG” fortransmission message, and “USR_NAM” for the sender name.

[0074] An item, of the six items, which is not particularly necessaryfor the user may not be input. At least one item specifying thedestination must be input. For example, if a message is not attached tothe transmission, the message may not be input. In embodiment 1 of theinvention, all items are input, the following information is stored inthe temporary memory of the CPU 109.

[0075] SEND_SRC=(file name of image file B)

[0076] SEND_ADR=“AAA@BBB.ne.jp”

[0077] USR_ADR=“CCC@DDD.com”

[0078] USR_TEL=“8166YYYYYYV”

[0079] SEND_TTL=“Hello”

[0080] SEND_MSG=“Good Morning!”

[0081] USR_NAM=“TARO NIPPON”

[0082] The character strings enclosed with double quotation marks (″)indicate character codes such as ASCII codes.

[0083] After input of all necessary items for transmission, when thegroup key 207 is pressed, the CPU 109 recognizes the file name of theselected image file B, and the information of necessary items fortransmission as one group. Then, the CPU109 provides the group with aunique group ID number (for example, “001”), and controls the writingunit 107 to write the group ID number and the data stored in thetemporary memory of the CPU 109 in sequence into the automatictransmission control file “AUTSEND1” in the memory 101.

[0084]FIG. 7 shows a content of the automatic transmission control file“AUTSEND1”. In FIG. 7, “GID” indicates the group ID number, for example,“001”. Character strings like “SEND_SRC” indicate a file name of a fileto be transmitted and information about items for transmission. Thus, inthe automatic transmission control file 105, all information necessaryfor file transmission is included.

[0085] The procedure for generating the automatic transmission controlfile 105 has been described in above. Then, file transmission accordingto the automatic transmission control file 105 shown in FIG. 7 will beexplained.

[0086] The user connects the memory 101 storing the automatictransmission control file 105 and various files including image andsound data to the device for transmitting the file according to theautomatic transmission control file shown in FIG. 3. More specifically,the memory 101 is removed from the device in FIG. 1, and inserted intothe device in FIG. 3. As a result, the reading unit 301 automaticallyreads the automatic transmission control file 105, which is then sent tothe communication controller 302. The communication controller 302acquires the automatic transmission control file 105, searches for thestring “GID” from the first line of the automatic transmission controlfile, and recognizes the line of the first string “GID” to the linebefore next string “GID” as a single group. The final group in theautomatic transmission control file 105 is from the line of the finalstring “GID” to the final line of the file. In this embodiment 1, thefile includes only one group, that is, from the line of the first string“GID” to the final line of the automatic transmission control file 105.

[0087] The automatic transmission control file 105 contains the filename of the file to be transmitted and information for transmission, forexample, the destination electronic mail address together with specificcharacter strings. Upon recognizing the content in the automatictransmission control file 105 from the specific character strings, thecommunication controller 302 controls the communication unit 303 totransmits the file. Specifically, in the automatic transmission controlfile shown in FIG. 7, all items of the file name of the file to betransmitted, destination electronic mail address, sender electronic mailaddress, sender telephone number, title, transmission message, andsender name are included. The image file B as the file to be transmittedis read from the memory 101 by the reading unit 301. And the file B issent to the destination electronic mail address as the file attached toan electronic mail. At this moment, the sender electronic mail address,sender telephone number, title, transmission message, and sender namewritten in the automatic transmission control file 105 are also includedin the electronic mail to be transmitted. Specifically, the title of theelectronic mail to be transmitted is indicated by the character string“SEND_TTL” in the automatic transmission control file, and the characterstring following to the string “SEND_MSG” is included as a text of theelectronic mail. Information of the sender is also included in theelectronic mail. Thus prepared electronic mail is transmitted from thecommunication unit 303.

[0088] The operation for file transmission is shown in a flowchart inFIG. 8. In FIG. 8, at step 801, it is detected whether the memory 101 isconnected or not, and if the memory 101 is connected, the process goesto next step. At step 802, the reading unit 301 reads the automatictransmission control file 105 in the memory 101 automatically, and sendsthe file to the communication controller 302. At step 803, thecommunication controller 302 searches for the group ID number in theautomatic transmission control file, and detects a series of informationin a group. At step 804, the information in the group is extracted andacquired. At step 805, the communication controller 302 generates anelectronic mail to be transmitted in the communication unit 303, andspecifies a destination of the electronic mail to an address specifiedby a strong “SEND_ADR” in the automatic transmission control file. Atstep 806, the controller controls the reading unit 301 to read the imagefile B from the memory 101 as the file to be transmitted, and attachesthe image file B to the electronic mail generated in the communicationunit 303 at step 807. At step 808, the sender electronic mail address,sender telephone number, title, transmission message, and sender nameacquired from the automatic transmission control file are written in theelectronic mail. Finally, at step 809, transmission of the electronicmail is instructed to the communication unit 303, and the electronicmail with the attached image file B is transmitted.

[0089] Thus, according to embodiment 1 of the invention, the informationabout the file to be transmitted automatically is stored in a groupformat in the automatic transmission control file as shown in FIG. 7.Only by connecting the memory storing the data file and automatictransmission control file to the communication unit, a desired file canbe automatically transmitted to a desired destination according to theautomatic transmission control file. At this moment, the senderelectronic mail address, sender telephone number, title, transmissionmessage, and sender name can be also written in the electronic mail tobe transmitted.

[0090] In embodiment 1 of the invention, sending one file has beenshown, but that is not limited to one file. Plural files can be selectedand transmitted through pressing the file reproduction mode select key201. For example, for transmit the audio file A together with the imagefile B, after pressing the decision key 205 reproducing the image file Band selecting image file B as explained above, the user may press thesend key 203 or return key 204 again to reproduce the audio file A, andpress the decision key 205. As a result, a file name of the audio file Ais stored following to the character string “SEND_SRC=” in the temporarymemory of the CPU 109. Then, in the same manner as explained above, ifthe specified item select key 202 is pressed, and if information forfile transmission is input, an automatic transmission control file isgenerated. FIG. 9 shows an automatic transmission control file preparedin such manner. As shown in FIG. 9, two file names of the image file Band audio file A to be transmitted are specified by the character string“SEND_SRC”.

[0091] Then, file transmission will be explained. Similarly to the filetransmission explained in above, when the memory 101 is connected to thedevice for transmitting the file according to the automatic transmissioncontrol file shown in FIG. 3, the reading unit 301 automatically readsthe automatic transmission control file 105. Then, the file is sent tothe communication controller 302. The communication controller 302acquires the automatic transmission control file, and searches for thestring “GID” from the first line of the automatic transmission controlfile 105, and recognizes, as one group, contents from the line of thefirst string “GID” to the line before the next string “GID”. Thisautomatic transmission control file specifies two file names as thefiles to be transmitted. Therefore, the communication controller 302controls the reading unit 301 to read the image file B and audio file Afrom the memory 101 as the files to be transmitted, and attaches theimage file B and audio file A to the electronic mail generated in thecommunication unit 303. The electronic mail with these two attachedfiles is transmitted from the communication unit 303.

[0092] Thus, according to embodiment 1 of the invention, plural filescan be also transmitted automatically.

[0093] In embodiment 1 of the invention, the communication unit 303 maybe either a wired transmitter or wireless transmitter. The wiredtransmission, for example, may transmit the file via a fixed telephoneline through a modem. The wireless transmission may transmit the filewith a mobile phone or other mobile communication device.

[0094] In embodiment 1 of the invention, the information to be writtenon the automatic transmission control file 105 includes the file name ofthe file to be transmitted, destination electronic mail address, senderelectronic mail address, sender telephone number, title, transmissionmessage, and sender name. But they are not limited to them, and otherinformation may be also written, such as a sender's address, date oftransmission, transmission time, and date and time when the automatictransmission control file 105 is stored last time.

[0095] In embodiment 1 of the invention, when transmitting a text file,the device may write contents of the text file in an electronic mailinstead of attaching the text file to the electronic mail, and transmitthe mail. In this case, the receiver of the electronic mail can read thecontents of the transmitted file in the text of the mail withoutchecking an attached file.

[0096] In embodiment 1 of the invention, the memory 101 is detachable,but not limited to this. For example, the memory 101 may be a fixedmemory in the device. When a file is transmitted, a data file and anautomatic transmission control file may be duplicated in otherdetachable memory.

[0097] A device, upon integrally including a unit for generating anautomatic transmission control file for controlling transmission and aunit for transmitting the file according to the automatic transmissioncontrol file, may be switch the memory 101 for both units instead ofemploying the memory 101 being detached and connected.

[0098] In embodiment 1 of the invention, the file is transmitted as afile attached to an electronic mail, but this is not limitative. Atransmission method by the communication unit 303 is not limited totransmission in electronic mail format, and the same effects of theinvention are obtained also in any other modulation method or protocolfor sending data by the communication unit 303.

[0099] (Embodiment 2)

[0100] In embodiment 1 of the invention, a device for generating anautomatic transmission control file and for transmitting a desired fileto one destination has been explained. Herein, a device transmitting adesired file to plural destinations with an automatic transmissioncontrol file will be explained.

[0101] For example, similarly to embodiment 1 of the invention, an imagefile B is sent to a certain destination, and an audio file B is sent toother destination.

[0102] At first, a user presses a new transmission control file generatekey 206 to start editing an automatic transmission control file, andpresses a group key 207 to store all information about transmission ofthe image file B in the automatic transmission control file. Theprocedure is the same as in embodiment 1 of the invention, and hence,the explanation is omitted.

[0103] The procedure after pressing a group key 207 for storing allinformation about transmission of the image file B in the automatictransmission control file is as follows.

[0104] Similarly to selecting of the image file B, a user presses a filereproduction mode select key 201, presses a send key 203 or return key204 to reproduce the audio file B to be transmitted, and the presses thedecision key 205. Then, the CPU 109 stores a file name of the audio fileB into a temporary memory of the CPU after a character string“SEND_SRC=”, which indicates that the user has selected this file as thefile to be transmitted in the file reproduction mode.

[0105] To input information for file transmission such as a destination,the specified item select key 202 is pressed, and similarly to the imagefile B, six items are input, that is, a destination electronic mailaddress, sender electronic mail address, sender telephone number, title,transmission message, and sender name.

[0106] The input information is stored in the temporary memory of theCPU 109 together with the same specific character strings as those inembodiment 1 of the invention. All items input for transmitting theaudio file B includes the following contents stored in the temporarymemory of the CPU 109.

[0107] SEND_SRC=(file name of audio file B)

[0108] SEND_ADR=“EEE@FFF.ne jp”

[0109] USR_ADR=“CCC@DDD.com”

[0110] USR_TEL=“8166YYYYYYY”

[0111] SEND_TTL=“Bye”

[0112] SEND_MSG “Thank You”

[0113] USR_NAM=“TARO NIPPON”

[0114] After all necessary items for transmission are input, when agroup key 207 is pressed, the CPU 109 recognizes, as one group, the filename of the selected audio file B, and the information of necessaryitems for transmission. Then, CPU109 provides the group with a uniquegroup ID number (for example, “002”), and controls the writing unit 107to write the group ID number “GID=002” and the data stored in thetemporary memory of the CPU 109 into the automatic transmission controlfile 105 in the memory 101 in addition to the information abouttransmission of image file B.

[0115]FIG. 10 shows contents of the automatic transmission control filegenerated through such operation. In FIG. 10, the string “GID” indicatesthe group ID number. In FIG. 10, the file includes groups having groupID numbers “001” and “002”, respectively. As shown in FIG. 10, theautomatic transmission control file contains information abouttransmission of the image file B and information about transmission ofthe audio file B in respective groups having different group ID numbers.

[0116] A procedure for generating the automatic transmission controlfile 105 has been explained. Then, file transmission according to theautomatic transmission control file 105 shown in FIG. 10 will beexplained.

[0117] A basic method of file transmission is the same as that inembodiment 1 of the invention, and files are transmitted in two groupsincluded in the automatic transmission control file. That is, fortransmitting the image file B based on the information in the group ofthe group ID number “001”, the device reads the image file B to betransmitted from the memory 101. Then, the device attaches the imagefile B to an electronic mail to be transmitted to an electronic mailaddress specified by the character string “SEND_ADR”, i.e., to anaddress “AAA@BBB.ne.jp” in FIG. 10. At this moment, informationexpressed in other character string is also written in the electronicmail and transmitted.

[0118] For transmitting the audio file B based on the information in thegroup of group ID number 002, the device reads the audio file B to betransmitted from the memory 101. Then, the device attaches the audiofile B to an electronic mail to be transmitted to an electronic mailaddress specified by a character string “SEND_ADR”, i.e., to an address“EEE@FFFne.jp” in FIG. 10. At this moment, information expressed inother character string is also written in this electronic mail andtransmitted.

[0119] As described above, according to embodiment 2 of the invention,the information about the files to be transmitted is automaticallywritten in plural groups in the automatic transmission control file asshown in FIG. 10. And the desired files can be transmitted to one ormore destinations as desired according to the automatic transmissioncontrol file. At this moment, further, in the electronic mail to betransmitted, a sender electronic mail address, sender telephone number,title, transmission message, and sender name can be also written andtransmitted.

[0120] The number of the groups to be written in the automatictransmission control file is not limited to two, but three or moregroups can be written in the automatic transmission control file byrepeating the same procedure explained above. And image and audio filecan be transmitted to three or more destinations.

[0121] Moreover, by combining embodiment 2 of the invention withembodiment 1 of the invention, evidently, plural files can betransmitted to plural destinations.

[0122] (Embodiment 3)

[0123] In embodiments 1 and 2 of the invention, a desired file istransmitted through being attached to the electronic mail in thecommunication unit 303. But the information transmitter is not limitedto the electronic mail only, and transmitting information as an image bya facsimile device will be explained below according to embodiment 3 ofthe invention.

[0124] In embodiment 3 of the invention, a menu displayed on a display112 when the specified item select key 202 is pressed for inputtinginformation for file transmission such as a destination in the samedevices as in embodiments 1 and 2 of the invention is modified. Further,the device for transmitting a file according to the automatictransmission control file will be explained with referring to anexplanatory diagram of the menu in FIG. 11 and a block diagram in FIG.12(a).

[0125]FIG. 11 is a diagram of the menu displayed on the display 112 whenthe specified item select key 202 is pressed for inputting informationfor file transmission such as a destination. In FIG. 11, the menuincludes an item for inputting a destination facsimile number of thedestination. Upon selecting the item, a user can input the destinationfacsimile number through a keyboard 111. The destination facsimilenumber is written in the automatic transmission control file after acharacter string “SEND_FAX”, in the same operation as in embodiment 1 ofthe invention. FIG. 13 shows an example of the automatic transmissioncontrol file. Other information than the destination facsimile number isthe same as in embodiment 1 of the invention. As shown in FIG. 13, thedestination facsimile number is specified as “8166XXXXXXX” after thecharacter string “SEND_FAX”. The file to be transmitted is now an imagefile B.

[0126] Then, the device for transmitting the file according to theautomatic transmission control file will be explained by referring toFIG. 12(a) and FIG. 12(b).

[0127] In FIG. 12(a), a memory 101, image file 102, audio file 103,image/audio multiplex file 104, and automatic transmission control file105 are the same as shown in FIG. 1. A reading unit 1201 reads the imagefile 102, image/audio multiplex file 104, and automatic transmissioncontrol file 105 from the memory 101. A communication controller 1202controls reading the file to be transmitted from the memory 101according to a description in the automatic transmission control file105, and file transmission by a facsimile transmitter 1204. A converter1203 forms an image by reproducing the file read from the memory 101,and converts the image into a signal conforming to a facsimiletransmission standard. The facsimile transmitter 1204 transmits thesignal converted by the converter 1203 to a facsimile device.

[0128] An operation of the device in FIG. 12(a) will be explained byreferring to FIG. 12(b), in which the image file B, i.e., the data filestored in the memory 101, is converted into a signal conforming to afacsimile transmission standard by the converter 1203. Then, the signalis transmitted by the facsimile transmitter 1204, and the receiver canreceive an image of the image file B by the facsimile device.

[0129] In this configuration, when the memory 101 is connected to thedevice for transmitting the file according to the automatic transmissioncontrol file 105, the reading unit 1201 automatically reads theautomatic transmission control file 105, and the file 105 is sent to acommunication controller 1202. The communication controller 1202,similarly to the communication controller 302 in embodiment 1 of theinvention, acquires the automatic transmission control file, and detectsthe contents.

[0130] The automatic transmission control file 105 contains a file nameof the file to be transmitted, and information for transmission such asthe destination facsimile number both after specific character strings.In the automatic transmission control file shown in FIG. 13, all of adestination j: facsimile number, sender electronic mail address, sendertelephone number, title, transmission message, and sender name arewritten. The communication controller 1202 controls the reading unit1201 to read the image file B as the file to be transmitted from thememory 101. The converter 1203 reproduces the image file, and then,converts the image into a signal conforming to a facsimile transmissionstandard. The converted signal is sent to the facsimile transmitter1204. The communication controller 1202 instructs facsimile transmissionto the destination facsimile number written in the automatictransmission control file, and the image of image file B is transmittedby facsimile. Simultaneously, the sender electronic mail address, sendertelephone number, title, transmission message, and sender name writtenin the automatic transmission control file 105 may be written withcharacters in a facsimile message to be transmitted.

[0131] The operation for file transmission is shown in a flowchart inFIG. 14. In FIG. 14, operations at steps 801 to 803 and 806 are the sameas in the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, and the explanation is omitted. Atstep 1401, information in the group is extracted and acquired from theautomatic transmission control file 105. At step 1402, the converter1203 forms an image is formed from the image file B read from the memory101, and converts the image into a signal conforming to the facsimiletransmission standard. At step 1403, the sender electronic mail address,sender telephone number, title, transmission message, and sender nameacquired from the automatic transmission control file are written withcharacters in a facsimile message to be transmitted. As an example ofwritten characters, the characters may be multiplexed in the signal tobe transmitted by facsimile so that the characters may be printed in apart of the facsimile message received at the destination, as shown inFIG. 12(b). Finally, at step 1404, the communication unit 1204 isinstructed with facsimile transmission to the destination facsimilenumber written in the automatic transmission control file, so that theimage of image file B is transmitted to the destination by facsimile.

[0132] Thus, according to embodiment 3 of the invention, writing thedestination facsimile number in the automatic transmission control fileallows a desired file to be transmitted to a desired destination as afacsimile image.

[0133] In embodiment 3, in the case that if a file including multiplexedimage and sound such as image/audio multiplex file stored on the memory101, since the sound cannot be transmitted by facsimile, only the imagein the image/audio multiplex file may be transmitted. The sound,however, upon being converted into characters by voice recognition, canbe written and transmitted by facsimile. An audio file 103 containingonly sound can be transmitted in the same manner.

[0134] In embodiment 3, a file to be transmitted, upon being a textfile, may be reproduced as alphanumeric characters, or “kana” and“kanji” characters by the converter 1203, and can be transmitted byfacsimile. In this case, contents in the text file are printed ascharacters in the facsimile received at the destination.

[0135] In embodiment 3, facsimile transmission by facsimile transmitter1204 is explained. But as shown in FIG. 15, instead of the facsimiletransmitter 1204, an audio transmitter 1501 such as mobile phone orfixed telephone may transmit the audio file 103 which is read from thememory 101 and converted into an audio signal conforming to acommunication standard of mobile phone or fixed telephone by converter1502. In this case, as the destination information, a telephone numberof the destination must be written in the automatic transmission controlfile.

[0136] (Embodiment 4)

[0137] In foregoing embodiments 1 to 3 of the invention, a desired fileis transmitted as a file attached to an electronic mail, as a facsimileimage, or as a voice by mobile phone or the like. Automatic move of adesired file to a desired memory device, for example, a hard disk ormagnet-optical disk will be explained below.

[0138] In embodiment 4 of the invention, for inputting the informationfor file transmission such as a destination in the same manner as inembodiments 1 and 2 of the invention, a menu displayed in the display112 when a specified item select key 202 is pressed is modified as shownin FIG. 16. A device which allows the device at the destination for themove of the file to be input, and which sends the file according to anautomatic transmission control file will be explained by referring to ablock diagram in FIG. 17. The file to be moved is selected in the samemanner as in embodiment 1 of the invention, and the explanation isomitted.

[0139]FIG. 16 is a diagram of the menu displayed on the display 112 whenthe specified item select key 202 is pressed for inputting informationfor the move of the file such as a destination of the move. In FIG. 16,the menu includes an item for inputting a device at the destination ofthe move, and by selecting it, a user can input the device at thedestination through the keyboard 111. The device at the destination iswritten after a character string “SEND_DEV” in the automatictransmission file in the same operation as in embodiment 1 of theinvention. If being known previously, the device at the destination maybe selected on the menu. An example of the automatic transmissioncontrol file 105 is shown in FIG. 18. As shown in FIG. 18, the device atthe destination is designated as a character string “HDD” indicating ahard disk after the string “SEND_DEV”. In embodiment 4 of the invention,differently from embodiment 1 of the invention, only a file name of thefile to be moved and the device at the destination are written in theautomatic transmission control file 105.

[0140] The device for moving the file according to the automatictransmission control file shown in FIG. 18 will be explained.

[0141] In FIG. 17, a memory 101, image file 102, audio file 103,image/audio multiplex file 104, and automatic transmission control file105 are the same as those shown in FIG. 1. A reading unit 1701 reads theimage file 102, audio file 103, image/audio multiplex file 104, andautomatic transmission control file 105 from the memory 101. Acommunication controller 1702 controls reading of the file to be movedfrom the memory 101 according to a description in the automatictransmission control file 105, and controls move of the file by a movingunit 1703. The moving unit 1703 duplicates the file read out from thememory 101 into, for example, a memory 1704. In embodiment 4 of theinvention, the memory 1704 is a hard disk indicated as the string “HDD”in the automatic transmission control file.

[0142] In this configuration, when the memory 101 is connected to thedevice for moving the file according to the automatic transmissioncontrol file, the reading unit 1701 automatically reads the automatictransmission control file 105, and send the file 105 to thecommunication controller 1702. The communication controller 1702,similarly to embodiment 1 of the invention, acquires the automatictransmission control file 105, and detects contents of the file.

[0143] The automatic transmission control file contains the file name ofthe file to be moved and the information of the destination for themove. Specifically, in the automatic transmission control file shown inFIG. 18, the communication controller 1702 controls the reading unit1701 to read an image file B as the file to be moved from the firstmemory 101. The file read out is sent to the moving unit 1703. Thecommunication controller 1702 instructs the moving unit to duplicate thefile to the device at the destination specified in the automatictransmission control file 105, i.e., the hard disk as a second memory1704 in embodiment 4 of the invention. Thereby, the image file B isduplicated into the memory 1704.

[0144] The operation for the file move is shown in a flowchart in FIG.19. In FIG. 19, operations at steps 801 to 803 and 806 are the same asthose in the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, and the explanation is omitted.At step 1901, information in a group is extracted and acquired. At step1902, the moving unit 1703 is instructed to move a file to the device atthe destination specified in the automatic transmission control file105, and thereby, the image file B is moved to the device at thedestination, i.e., the memory 1704 as the hard disk.

[0145] Thus, according to embodiment 4 of the invention, writing thedevice at the destination in the automatic transmission control fileallows a desired file to be automatically duplicated into a desireddevice at the destination.

[0146] In embodiment 4 of the invention, the second memory 1704 is ahard disk, but not limited to this. For example, a magnet-optical disk,other recordable disk device, semiconductor memory such as a memorycard, magnetic tape, or others may be effectively used as the memory.

[0147] In embodiment 4 of the invention, the memory 1704 may be eitherdetachable memory or fixed memory in the device.

[0148] Further in embodiment 4 of the invention, a converter 1502explained in embodiment 3 of the invention may convert the file readfrom the memory 101 into a signal of a different format, and then,stores the converted file in the second memory 1704. For example, theimage file is converted into a TV signal of an NTSC format, and can bestored in a VHS magnetic tape. Similarly, the image file may becompressed in a JPEG format or MPEG format, and can be stored in a diskmedia such as a digital versatile disk (DVD).

[0149] (Embodiment 5)

[0150] In foregoing embodiments 1 to 3 of the invention, a desired fileis transmitted automatically. Among an automatic file transmissionsystem, the embodiment relates to a configuration for exchanginginformation about performance and features of devices between a devicefor generating an automatic transmission control file for controllingfile transmission and a device for transmitting a file according to theautomatic transmission control file. That is, exchanging informationabout mutual performance and features between the device for generatingthe automatic transmission control file and the device for transmittingthe file allows the file to be processed depending on individuallimiting conditions and special functions of the devices so as tocontribute to a convenience for a user.

[0151]FIG. 20 is a block diagram of the device for transmitting fileaccording to the automatic transmission control file In FIG. 20, amemory 101, image file 102, audio file 103, image/audio multiplex file104, automatic transmission control file 105, reading unit 301, andcommunication unit 303 are the same as those in embodiment 1 of theinvention shown in FIG. 3, and the explanation is omitted. A deviceinformation file 2001 stores the information about the devices includedin the automatic file transmission system of of the invention. Acommunication controller 2002 reads the file to be transmitted from thememory 101 according to a description in the automatic transmissioncontrol file 105, and controls the communication unit 303 to transmitthe file. The controller also controls a writing unit 2003 to write thedevice information file in the memory 101. The writing unit 2003 iscontrolled by the communication controller 2002 to write the deviceinformation file 2001 in the memory 101.

[0152]FIG. 21 is a block diagram of the device for generating theautomatic transmission control file 105 for controlling filetransmission in the automatic file transmission system of theembodiment. In FIG. 21, a memory 101, image file 102, audio file 103,image/audio multiplex file 104, automatic transmission control file 105,writing unit 107, decoder 108, operation key 110, keyboard 111, display112, and speaker 113 are the same as those in embodiment 1 of theinvention shown in FIG. 1, and the explanation is omitted. A readingunit 2101, being similar to the reading unit 106 in embodiment 1 of theinvention shown in FIG. 1, further reads the device information file2001. A CPU 2102, being similar to the CPU 109 in embodiment 1 of theinvention shown in FIG. 1, further controls a file converter 2103 basedon a description in the device information file read from the memory101. The file converter 2103 converts the file read from the memory 101into other file, and the resultant converted file is written into theoriginal memory 101.

[0153] An operation in embodiment 5 of the invention having suchconfiguration will be explained below.

[0154] At first, when a user connects the memory 101 to the device fortransmitting file shown in FIG. 20, the communication controller 2002controls the writing unit 2003 to write the device information file 2001in the memory 101. The device information file includes the informationabout the performance and features of the device for transmitting afile. The information may include a maximum image size of the filetransmitted by the communication unit 303. In embodiment 5, the maximumimage size of an image transmitted by the communication unit 303 isstored in the device information file 2001, and the size includes aspecific values, for example, 160 horizontal pixels and 120 verticalpixels.

[0155] Then, the user removes the memory 101 from the device shown inFIG. 20 in order to edit the automatic transmission control file 105,and connects the memory to the device for generating an automatictransmission control file shown in FIG. 21. In this case, in automatictransmission, similarly to embodiment 1 of the invention, the file to betransmitted is image file B, and the automatic transmission control file105 for this purpose is the same as shown in FIG. 7. The file 105 isgenerated in the memory 101, and the explanation of the generation ofthe automatic transmission control file 105 is omitted. The image file Bto be transmitted is, for example, composed of 640 horizontal pixels and480 vertical pixels, and the information about the number of the pixelsis written in a header of the image file B.

[0156] When the automatic transmission control file 105 is generated inthe memory 101, the CPU 2102 controls the reading unit 2101 to read theautomatic transmission control file 105 and device information file 2001in the memory 101, and acquires contents in the files. The deviceinformation file 2001 includes the maximum number of pixels that can betransmitted by the communication unit 303 shown in FIG. 20 for an image.In embodiment 5 of the invention, the maximum number of pixels is 160horizontal pixels and 120 vertical pixels. The automatic transmissioncontrol file 105 shows that the file to be transmitted is image file B.Then, the CPU 2102 controls the reading unit 2101 to read the image fileB to be transmitted from the memory 101, and sends the file to the fileconverter 2103. The file converter 2103 interprets the header of theimage file B, and detects the number of pixels of the image file B, 640horizontal pixels and 480 vertical pixels. The result of the detectionis returned to the CPU 2102. In this case, as explained in embodiment 1of the invention, if the memory 101 is directly connected to the devicefor transmitting a file shown in FIG. 20, the image file B cannot betransmitted normally since the number of pixels of the image file B tobe transmitted exceeds a communication capacity of the communicationunit 303. Accordingly, the user must edit the image file B again withother image editing device to convert the number of pixels, and thisprocess is complicated for the user.

[0157] In embodiment 5 of the invention, the image file B is editedautomatically as follows. That is, the maximum number of pixels that canbe transmitted by the communication unit 303 is 160 horizontal pixelsand 120 vertical pixels, and the CPU 2102 accordingly instructs the fileconverter 2103 to convert the image file B into an image having a sizeof 160 horizontal pixels and 120 vertical pixels. According to thisinstruction, the file converter 2103 generates a file by converting theimage file B into the file having a size of 160 horizontal pixels and120 vertical pixels, and writes the converted file in the memory 101 asa file name “converted image file B”.

[0158] Consequently, the CPU 2102 edits the automatic transmissioncontrol file 105 read out, and changes a file name of the file to betransmitted from “image file B” to “converted image file B”, andcontrols the writing unit 107 to write the file 105 in the memory 101.Contents of the automatic transmission control file 105 written in thememory 101 is shown in FIG. 22. As shown in FIG. 22, the file name ofthe file to be transmitted indicated after a character string “SEND_SRC”is changed to “converted image file B”. An operation of this process isshown in a flowchart in FIG. 23.

[0159] In FIG. 23, at step 2301, when both automatic transmissioncontrol file 105 and device information file 2001 are stored in thememory 101, and then, at step 2302, the automatic transmission controlfile 105 and device information file 2001 are read out. The CPU 2102acquires contents of these two files at next steps 2303 and 2304, andreads the image file B to be transmitted from the memory 101 at step2305. At step 2306, the number of pixels of the image file B read out isdetected by the file converter 2103.

[0160] When the number of pixels of the detected image file B is largerthan the maximum number of pixels that can be transmitted by thecommunication unit 303 written in the device information file 2001 atstep 2307, the file converter 2103 converts the number of pixels ofimage file B at step 2308.

[0161] Then, the converter stores the converted file in the memory 101under a file name of “converted image file B”. Finally, at step 2309,the CPU 2102 changes the content of the automatic transmission controlfile 105, and the process is terminated.

[0162] After the automatic transmission control file 105 is thus changedby the CPU 2102, when the memory 101 is connected to the device fortransmitting a file according to the automatic transmission control fileshown in FIG. 20, this device automatically transmits the convertedimage file B according to a description of the automatic transmissioncontrol file 105 similarly to embodiment 1 of the invention. Sincehaving the number of pixels within the transmission capacity of thecommunication unit 303 according to the description of the deviceinformation file, the converted image file B is transmitted without anyproblem.

[0163] Thus, according to embodiment 5 of the invention, in theautomatic file transmission system, the device information file isprovided for exchanging information about performance and features ofdevices between a device for generating an automatic transmissioncontrol file for controlling file transmission and a device fortransmitting a file according to the automatic transmission controlfile. And the performance and features of the devices are shared betweenthe device for generating the automatic transmission control file andthe device for transmitting the file. Therefore the file can beprocessed depending on individual limiting conditions and specialfunctions of the devices so as to contribute to the convenience for theuser.

[0164] In embodiment 5 of the invention, the device information filecontains the maximum image size that can be transmitted in imagetransmission by the communication unit 303, but not limited to this. Thefile may contain a maximum data amount and maximum number of charactersthat can be transmitted, a transmission speed, file formats to betransmitted, and presence or absence of a security function.

[0165] Also in embodiment 5 of the invention, the device informationfile specifies the performance and features of devices included in theautomatic file transmission system, but not limited to this. Forexample, between a digital still camera and a printer, or between adigital still camera and a personal computer, the device informationfile as explained in embodiment 5 of the invention may be shared whenexchanging data through detachable memory. In this case, therefore, thefile can be processed depending on individual limiting conditions andspecial functions of the devices, and it is effective to contribute tothe convenience for the user. The same effects are obtained when data isexchanged between devices connected through a cable without thedetachable memory, or when data is exchanged between devices connectedby wireless communication.

[0166] In embodiment 5 of the invention the device information fileincludes the information of the device for transmitting a file accordingto automatic transmission control file of the automatic filetransmission system, but not limited to this. For example, the deviceinformation file may specify information of the device for generatingthe automatic transmission control file. A specific information aboutthe content explained in embodiment 5 of the invention will beexplained. The device for generating the automatic transmission controlfile shown in FIG. 21 does not have a file converter 2103, and canhandle the image file having only a size of 640 horizontal pixels and480 vertical pixels. And the device for transmitting a file according tothe automatic transmission control file shown in FIG. 20 includes thefile converter 2103. In this case, if the device for generating theautomatic transmission control file stores the information of the numberof pixels that can be handled by itself in the device information file,and if the device for transmitting a file can fetch the informationthrough the device information file, therefore, the file specified fortransmission by the automatic transmission control file can be convertedinto an image file of 160 horizontal pixels and 120 vertical pixels bythe file converter 2103 of the device for transmitting the fileautomatically. Then, the converted image file can be transmittedautomatically by the communication unit 303.

[0167] Industrial Applicability

[0168] According to the invention, as described above, the informationabout the file to be transmitted is included automatically as a group inan automatic transmission control file. And, the memory storing a datafile and automatic transmission control file is connected to thecommunication unit, and thus, a desired file can be automaticallytransmitted to a desired destination according to the automatictransmission control file.

[0169] Further, according to the invention, the information about thefile to be transmitted may be described automatically in plural groupsin an automatic transmission control file. And the memory storing thedata file and the automatic transmission control file is connected tothe communication unit, and thus, a desired file can be automaticallytransmitted to one or more desired destinations according to theautomatic transmission control file.

[0170] Moreover, a destination facsimile number in the automatictransmission control file, and thus, a desired file can be automaticallytransmitted by facsimile to a desired destination, and an audio file,being converted into characters, can be transmitted.

[0171] A device at a destination may be described in the automatictransmission control file, and thus, a desired file can be automaticallyduplicated to the device at the destination.

[0172] According to the invention, still more, in the automatic filetransmission system, a device information file is provided forexchanging information about performance and features of devices betweena device for generating an automatic transmission control file forcontrolling file transmission and a device for transmitting a fileaccording to the automatic transmission control file. And thus, theperformance and features of the devices are shared between the devicefor generating the automatic transmission control file and the devicefor transmitting the file. Therefore the file can be processed dependingon individual limiting conditions and special functions of the devices,which is effective to contribute to convenience for a user.

1. An automatic file transmission system comprising: a memory for storing a data file and a transmission information file containing information about transmission of the data file, wherein the transmission information file contains at least one group, and wherein the group includes the information about the transmission of the data file is included in the group, and at least one piece of information for specifying the data file to be transmitted.
 2. The automatic file transmission system of claim 1, wherein the information about transmission of the data file in one group contained in the transmission information file includes information for specifying at least one destination and information for specifying at least one data file to be transmitted.
 3. The automatic file transmission system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the information for specifying the destination in the transmission information file is one of an electronic mail address of the destination, a facsimile number of the destination, and a telephone number of the destination.
 4. The automatic file transmission system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the information for specifying the data file to be transmitted in the transmission information file is a file name of the data file to be transmitted.
 5. The automatic file transmission system of claim 1, wherein the transmission information file contains at least one of an electronic mail address of the destination, a facsimile number of the destination, and a telephone number of the destination.
 6. The automatic file transmission system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the transmission information file contains at least one of an electronic mail address of a sender, a facsimile number of the sender, and a telephone number of the sender, a name of the sender, a title of transmission information, and a message to the destination.
 7. The automatic file transmission system of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising communication means for transmitting the data file according to the transmission information file.
 8. An automatic file transmission system comprising: a memory for storing a data file and information about transmission of the data file; converting means for converting the data file into other format; and communication means for transmitting information converted by the converting means according to the information about transmission of the data file.
 9. An automatic file transmission system comprising: a first memory for storing a data file and information about move of the data file; a second memory capable of storing the data file; and moving means for moving the data file from the first memory to the second memory according to the information about move of the data file.
 10. An automatic file transmission system comprising: a memory for storing a data file and information about transmission of the data file; and communication means for transmitting the data file according to the information about transmission of the data file, wherein a memory stores information about the automatic file transmission system.
 11. The automatic file transmission system of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the data file contains image information.
 12. The automatic file transmission system of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the data file contains audio information.
 13. The automatic file transmission system of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the data file contains multiplexed image information and audio information.
 14. The automatic file transmission system of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the data file contains a text.
 15. The automatic file transmission system of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the data file contains an executable program.
 16. The automatic file transmission system of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the data file is an HTML format file.
 17. The automatic file transmission system of claim 9, wherein the information about move of the data file contains information indicating a device at a destination.
 18. The automatic file transmission system of any one of claims 1, and 8 to 10, wherein the memory is detachable.
 19. The automatic file transmission system of any one of claims 1, 7, 8 and 10, wherein the communication means transmits a file by wireless communication or wired means communication.
 20. The automatic file transmission system of claim 8, wherein the converting means converts the data file into a signal of a format conforming to a standard of facsimile transmission.
 21. The automatic file transmission system of claim 8, wherein the converting means converts the data file into a signal of a format conforming to a standard of fixed telephone transmission.
 22. The automatic file transmission system of claim 8, wherein the converting means converts the data file into a signal of a format conforming to a standard of mobile phone transmission.
 23. The automatic file transmission system of claim 8, wherein the communication means transmits information by facsimile transmission.
 24. The automatic file transmission system of claim 8, wherein the communication means transmits information by fixed telephone transmission.
 25. The automatic file transmission system of claim 8, wherein the communication means transmits information by mobile phone transmission.
 26. The automatic file transmission system of claim 9, wherein the moving means duplicated the data file in the second memory.
 27. The automatic file transmission system of claim 10, wherein the information about the automatic file transmission system includes information about the communication means. 